Havas accelerates growth in ANZ with acquisition of independent media agency Kaimera

Australia – Havas has acquired independent media agency Kaimera, expanding the Havas Media Network’s scale and capabilities across Australia and New Zealand and advancing its Converged.AI strategy. The agency will operate as “Kaimera, a Havas Company” under the Havas Media Network.

Founded in 2016, Kaimera has grown to more than 50 staff across Sydney, Melbourne and Auckland. The agency is known for producing straightforward and customized media solutions, with a client roster that includes Nando’s, Scape, IMB Bank, Afterpay and BritBox. Havas said the addition strengthens its ANZ business plan built around growth, entrepreneurial investment and delivering stronger outcomes for clients.

The acquisition will fold Kaimera’s leadership team, led by founders Nick Behr and Trent McMillan, into Havas Media Network. They will report to James Wright, Havas ANZ Group CEO, and will remain in their existing offices for the time being. With Kaimera onboard, Havas ANZ’s local headcount rises to more than 450.

The deal follows Havas Group ANZ’s recent rollout of its new “Deliberately Different” positioning, designed to highlight its integrated model that blends the independence of a boutique agency with the scale of a global network.

Yannick Bolloré, chairman and CEO of Havas, said: “I’m delighted to welcome Nick Behr, Trent McMillan and the talented team at Kaimera to the Havas family. This deal reinforces our commitment to the Australian and New Zealand markets and our belief in the opportunity there with James and his leadership team. We have very clear ambitions across our Group, and bringing in Kaimera’s expertise and strong reputation will further strengthen our network and accelerate the deployment of our Converged.AI strategy, ensuring we deliver excellence for our clients.”

James Wright, group CEO of Havas ANZ, said: “The acquisition of Kaimera is a clear statement of our ambition in Australia and New Zealand. As part of our new ANZ business plan and positioning of being ‘deliberately different,’ we are focused on growth and entrepreneurial investment in the region. To deliver on this, we want to bring in the best talent and resources to deliver more powerful and meaningful results for our clients. We believe Kaimera’s culture, proven track record, and specialist capabilities are a perfect complement to our Group. We welcome Nick, Trent, and their team.”

Nick Behr, CEO and founder of Kaimera, said: “We need to stay future-focused for our clients and our people, and Havas is the perfect partner for this next chapter. The group has a clear vision and strong foundations for where it’s heading. Joining Havas gives us access to greater investment, scale, resources, tools and technology, particularly in AI, while allowing us to stay true to our culture and approach. Together, we can deliver even more meaningful growth for brands across Australia, New Zealand and beyond. We’re excited to begin this new chapter with James and the Havas team.”